2. Believing in happiness theology

The Bible nowhere declares happiness as a goal.— Happiness is transitory. Jonah was happy about a plant then mad when it withered and died the next day. Jonah 4:6-8— Happiness is distracting from purpose, often diverts us from better things and can cause laziness. Luke 12:19
— The Bible encourages us to rejoice in the benefits and joy of others around us. Proverbs 23:24, 2 Corinthians 7:13
— The word used 9 times in Matthew 5 that is translated “blessed” or “happy” is meant to describe a person in enviable position due to God’s favor. Matthew 5:3-12— When the Bible encourages us to be happy it is in taking delight in God, in His works, in salvation, in the privilege of worship, in His Word, etc. Psalm 37:4, Psalm 92:4, Isaiah 12:3, Acts 13:47-48, Psalm 43:4, Jeremiah 15:16

There are things much better than happiness: joy, fulfillment, contentment, purpose, achievement/accomplishment and being the source of happiness for others!

3. Trusting false sources of peace

The only “peace” some people know is really just escape. And there are many more potential addictions besides the four we all think about.

We shouldn’t be dependent upon anything besides God. Boredom, stress, loneliness, pain, etc, all tempt us to try and flee discomfort, find an escape, or mask our pain instead of facing it.

Rather, we should choose to “be filled with the Holy Spirit…” and “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7)!

4. Living life without commitment

Without commitment we dabble endlessly in a multitude of interests instead of focusing our time, talents, finances, etc. into doing something amazing with our lives. We will chase every interesting thing that crosses our paths like jobs that don’t fulfill us; opportunities that take us further from our goals; money, fame and material possessions instead of the wisdom, peace, health, passion, contentment, purpose, etc. that is truly fulfilling.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would come his way.” – W. M. Murray

Now let me say something to parents: Model!

IF YOU WANT TO RAISE KIDS WHO ARE…
winners, model a never-die faith – show your kids how to carry the load
well-adjusted, model wisdom & maturity – value the right things
reliant on God, model life without any addictions – rely on God as your source of peace
determined and resilient, model commitment by fulfilling your commitments to them, yourself, others, your church and God

In Closing…

Expect to win

Expect deeper victories in your life

Expect to find your peace in God

Expect your commitment to bring great rewards

If you made a decision of any kind, tell us! And if you have questions please ask!
You can text us at 205-476-2911

If you want to be saved and become a follower of Jesus it’s very simple. Jesus has already done the hard work by dying for our sins. All we have to do is believe Jesus is exactly who He says He is (Romans 10:9-10), the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again on the 3rd day. And tell someone. You can tell a spouse, parent, best friend, or you can text us at 205-476-2911.